Yard Debris Schedule and Compost Program

Yard Debris Schedule

About the Yard Debris Program:

The City of New Port Richey's free debris removal program makes it easy for residents to dispose of yard debris. The program is designed for typical property maintenance by homeowners and residents within the City, not for land clearing or grubbing.

The Streets Division follows a specific route to pick up yard debris within the City. The entire City is cleared over the course of 6-8 weeks (weather permitting). You may use this to estimate when they will return to your area. In order to maintain the 6-8 week timeframe, crews must continue on their regularly scheduled route, therefore we do not do special pickups. Longer timeframes are subject to emergencies, work load, & special events. 

Should you have excessive trimming to conduct or do not want your pile to sit long, please call the Public Works Department to get a closer time frame and to schedule your trimming when we will be in your area. 

Program Guidelines:

  • Place debris on the right-of-way closest to the street, or in the alley
  • Debris should not interfere with any sidewalks, residential property, stormwater drainage, or vehicular traffic, and must be kept away from telephone poles and low hanging wires
  • Do not tie, bag, or mix debris with anything other than yard debris
  • Debris must be cut into length of less than six (6) feet
  • Tree trunks may not be greater than eight (8) inches in diameter

For full details regarding the City's Yard Debris Ordinance click here.

Red-Tagged Debris:

Debris that cannot be collected will be red-tagged to advise why it has not been picked up. Once the issue has been corrected, debris will be removed on the next pick-up.

Common red-tagged issues include:

  • Too close to fence/fire hydrant/pole/guide wire
  • Debris other than yard debris (newspaper, carpet, appliances, plastic bags)
  • On top of utility box

 

Free Compost Program

Compost  Program Overview:

Recycled compost is free to citizens of the west Pasco area located at our pick-up site on Pine Hill Road (across from the City Fleet Division at 6420 Pine Hill Road).

The City will deliver complimentary compost to properties in New Port Richey, Port Richey, and Holiday. The size of the mulch load varies from 3-14 yards and is based on the location. Delivery orders are available by request and are completed when staffing is available.

The City requests you have the following information when placing your delivery order:

  • Contact name and best available contact phone number
  • Address of property
  • The section of your property where compost is to be placed

Compost is available for anyone to pick up. If you choose to pick up the compost on your own, please make sure to bring a shovel. If City staff is available, they will assist you with equipment and loading the bed of your pickup truck.

How it Works:

Yard debris is disposed of at city-owned-and-operated mulching facilities where it is ground up and piled into 15-20 foot rows. The mounds are turned weekly and sprayed with water to encourage decomposition. The internal heat generated during this process will eliminate any remaining weed seeds.
The final product is transported to the pick-up site on Pine Hill Road across from the City Fleet Division.

Current Limitations due to Giant African Land Snail

A quarantine is in place starting at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 19 and Ridge Road. Proceed east on Ridge Road, south on Little Road, west on Trouble Creek Road, north on U.S. Highway 19 (see map below).

Due to the Giant African Land Snail deliveries are only able to be made within the quarantined area. It is unlawful to move the giant African land snail or a regulated article, including, but not limited to, plants, plants parts, plants in soil, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials, within, through or from a quarantine area.

Regrettably, the presence of Giant African Land Snails was confirmed in July 2024, necessitating the restart of the three-year quarantine period.

Neighborhood Clean-Up

Neighborhood Spring 2024 Clean-Up Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024

The City of New Port Richey hosts a bi-annual neighborhood clean-up event in the fall and again during late spring of each year. The dates and times will be posted on the city calendar. This event allows residents of the City of New Port Richey to dispose of unwanted items in dumpsters rented by the City. Residents can take their unwanted items to either one of the two locations and properly dispose of those items.

Saturday,  May 18 is the next clean-up event.

City residents may bring their unwanted items to the dumpsters at the following locations:

  1. Frances Avenue Park off of Louisiana Ave
  2. The old River Road Church property located on 6131 South River Rd.

The following waste can be brought to both locations:

 

Materials Allowed at Both Locations

  • Glass
  • Wood (8′ or less)
  • Drywall
  • Fence
  • Carpet
  • House Furniture
  • Mattress
  • Plywood

 

Items for River Rd Location Only

  • Nonworking, undamaged TVs, Computer Monitors/Towers accepted at River Road location only.
  • Paint & household chemicals accepted at River Road location only.
  • Paper shredding available at River Road Location only (limit of 4 boxes per household).
Materials Allowed at Both Locations Items for River Rd Location Only
  • Glass
  • Wood (8′ or less)
  • Drywall
  • Fence
  • Carpet
  • House Furniture
  • Mattress
  • Plywood
  • Nonworking, undamaged TVs, Computer Monitors/Towers accepted at River Road location only.
  • Paint & household chemicals accepted at River Road location only.
  • Paper shredding available at River Road Location only (limit of 4 boxes per household).

For additional information you may contact the Public Works Department at (727) 841-4536

Grounds and Facilities Maintenance

Grounds Maintenance

Duties & Responsibilities

The Grounds Maintenance Division maintains all grounds on City owned properties including our 10 beautiful parksopens in a new window. Crews monitor special events held, keep trash collected, maintain playgrounds and prepare reserved pavilions in parks. Grounds Maintenance Crews also maintain the irrigation and the splash pad at Sims Parkopens in a new window.

Facilities Maintenance

Duties & Responsibilities

The Facilities Maintenance Division maintains all City buildings, including HVAC Systems, elevator maintenance, and cleaning of buildings. Facilities Maintenance also maintains the Street Lights on US Highway 19.

Contact us

10 Tips for Efficient Irrigation

  1. Frequency Adjustment – Set your irrigation clock for the correct watering day according to last number in street address
    • Potable watering days below
      • Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m or after 4 p.m.
      • Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
      • Locations without a discernible address, such as right-of-way and common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday, and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
    • Reclaimed watering restriction
      • The City of New Port Richey does not have any watering restrictions, City residents may water as much or as litter of Reclaimed Water on any days/times.
  2. Duration – Apply ¾” per irrigation
    • Fixed spray pop-ups – 20 minutes
    • Rotors & Micro-irrigation – 45 minutes
    • Check amount with tuna can calibration*
  3. Turn ON roof mounted rain shut-off device and check for proper operation.
  4. Mature landscape plants don’t need as much water as turf. Turn down or turn off individual emitters/ zones not used for turf in landscape beds or water by hand as necessary.
  5. Install micro-irrigation in landscape beds or water by hand as necessary.
  6. Replace roof mounted rain shut off device with wire/wireless soil moisture sensor installed in the ground. Note: To achieve maximum savings, follow installation and calibration instructions closely.
  7. Replace irrigated turf with mulched landscape beds of drought tolerant plants. Remember to modify the irritation system by replacement with micro-irrigation or capping existing emitters.
  8. Operate irrigation system manually. Shut it off entirely during the rainy season for maximum savings.
  9. Use ‘Seasonal Adjustment’ or ‘Water Budget’ settings during cooler months. Irrigation needs re up to 50% less in the winter dormant season.
  10. Periodically check for broken heads, misdirected sprays, etc. In addition, periodically check controller programming for duplicate programs, multiple start-times, excessive run-times, These issues are easy to overlook, but are frequently identified as the cause of increased water consumption. ALWAYS check programming after power outages, power surges, or lightning strikes, as these have been known to reset controllers to factory default settings. For many controllers, factory default = a DAILY water schedule.
  • Note: Application rates and system design can vary significantly. Suggested run-times discussed above are based on average application rates. Always check amount with tuna can calibration.

Giant African Land Snail

The giant African land snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world and consumes at least 500 different types of plants. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and natural areas as they cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments. The snails also pose a serious health risk to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, known to cause meningitis in humans. Giant African land snails are illegal to import or possess in the United States without a permit.

The giant African land snail has been eradicated twice in Florida. The first detection was in 1969 and was eradicated in 1975. The most recent eradication of this pest was in 2021 from a detection in 2011 in Miami-Dade County. Prior to the recent detection, the last live snail in Florida was collected in Miami-Dade County in December of 2017.

DO NOT HANDLE SNAILS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES!

Pasco County Program Information

Regrettably, the presence of Giant African Land Snails was confirmed in July 2024, necessitating the restart of the three-year quarantine period.

On June 23, 2022, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed the detection of giant African land snail in the New Port Richey area of Pasco County. This detection was reported by a Pasco County Master Gardener.

FDACS's Division of Plant Industry has begun to survey the area, enacted a quarantine and will begin treatment for this detrimental pest on June 29, 2022. FDACS will treat properties with a metaldehyde-based molluscicide (snail bait). The treatment is labeled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for residential use.

Think you found a giant African land snail? Refer to the ID sheet below. Still not sure? Email a photo for identification to 

Snail ID Sheet opens in a new window(FDACS)

Giant African Land Snail Pest Alert (FDACS)

Frequently Asked Questions About Metaldehyde for Controlling Snails and Slugs

Quarantine

A quarantine is in place starting at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 19 and Ridge Road. Proceed east on Ridge Road, south on Little Road, west on Trouble Creek Road, north on U.S. Highway 19 (see map).

Per guidelines provided for by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it is unlawful to move the giant African land snail or a regulated article, including but not limited to, plants, plants parts, plants in soil, soil, yard waste, debris, compost or building materials, within, through or from a quarantine area without a compliance agreement.

To obtain a compliance agreement, call 1-888-397-1517 or email DPIHelpline@FDACS.gov

Sample Compliance Agreement for Nursery/Stock Dealer/Garden Center

https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/104745/file/08486%20sample.pdf

Sample Compliance Agreement for Solid Waste Facilities and Commercial Trash Haulers https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/104746/file/08487%20sample.pdf

Sample Compliance Agreement for Landscape/Lawn Maintenance

https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/104747/file/08488%20sample.pdf

Starting at the NW corner of US Highway 19 and Ridge Road, proceed E on Ridge Road, S on Little Rd, W on Trouble Creek Rd., N on US Highway 19.

Treatment

Treatment to eradicate this pest will begin on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Metaldehyde is a pesticide used to control snails and slugs and is approved for use in a variety of vegetable and ornamental crops in the field or greenhouse, on fruit trees, small-fruit plants, in avocado and citrus orchards, berry plants, banana plants and in limited residential areas. Available products can be applied as granules, sprays, dusts or bait pellets. Applications are typically made to the ground around the plants or crops to be protected.

Property owners inside the treatment area will be notified in person or by posted notice at least 24 hours in advance of the planned pesticide treatment.

Metaldehyde works by disrupting the mucus production ability of snails and slugs. This reduces their digestion and mobility and makes them susceptible to dehydration. Snails and slugs that have eaten metaldehyde often seek hiding places, become inactive and begin to die within days.

Public Health Information

Giant African land snails pose a serious health risk to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, known to cause meningitis in humans. The snails should not be handled without proper protection and sanitation.

Fact Sheet on Rat Lungworm Parasite (Florida Department of Health)

Rat Lungworm Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Muscovy Duck Population

Striving for Community Harmony and Wildlife Balance

Muscovy Duck Population

In the City of New Port Richey, especially around Orange Lake, Muscovy ducks have become a common sight despite not being native to Florida. These ducks are incredibly prolific, leading to rapid population growth. This often sparks different opinions among residents– some enjoy their presence, while others find them problematic. Have you noticed the extensive population near our park? Or maybe you live near the lake or the river, and they are starting to invade your property?

Quick Facts

  • Muscovy ducks have a long lifespan, averaging 8-12 years.
  • They breed 2 to 3 times a year, from August to May.
  • A female lays a clutch of 8-16 eggs, but is capable of laying up to 28, which are then incubated for 35 days.
  • Ducklings become independent between 60-70 days.
  • Muscovy ducks are considered and invasive species.
  • They have sharp claws and dabbling tendencies, which means they can damage tarps and plants, leave droppings, eat beneficial insects, and create nests in unusual places.
  • It is illegal to release Muscovy ducks into the wild.
  • Generally quiet birds, they may wag their tails persistently if excited or threatened and males might make a hissing of puffing noise.

Egg Identification

  • General Description: Large and elongated with creamy white color. They lack spotting and have a unique texture.
  • Size: 2.5”-3.5” long and 1.9”-2.4” wide. They are larger than most duck eggs.
  • Shape: Elongated, oval shape with one end distinctly more pointed.
  • Color: The shell is creamy white without spots or markings.
  • Shell: It has a unique coarse, bumpy texture compared to smooth duck egg shells.

What is the City doing?

After thorough research, it has been discovered that hiring trappers is an ineffective, short-term solution for managing the Muscovy duck population. Instead, removing newly-laid eggs has been proven to be the most humane and effective way to reduce the invasive duck population and prevent them from reaching nuisance levels. That’s exactly what we’re doing! City crews identify the invasive species eggs, and remove them from City property.

What you can do!

Are you frustrated by the mess that they are making on your driveway or sidewalk? Are they nesting on your property?

You can remove eggs from your property too!

Nests, Development and Disposal

Locating Nests

Muscovy ducks often nest in vegetation like liriope, which provides soft protection. Occasionally, they choose prickly plants, usually identifiable by a wide opening for entry and exit. These ducks favor nesting spots next to solid surfaces like buildings, walls, fences, or in corners that offer two sides of protection. Ideal nesting sites include a human-made barrier to prevent predators from one side while allowing the mother a clear view of the surroundings. You may also find Muscovy ducks nesting in planters, tree cavities, and tree root systems.

Egg Development

Muscovy ducks are remarkable nesters, capable of laying up to 28 eggs per clutch and breeding as many as three times annually. Typically, a female Muscovy will lay one egg daily, allowing them to accumulate in the nest until she completes her clutch. Once all eggs are laid, she begins the incubation process, spending most of her day sitting on them. During this time, she seldom leave the nest, only briefly departing for essential tasks like drinking water or relieving herself.

Egg Removal Method

When removing Muscovy duck eggs, it’s best to wait until the female has laid all the eggs in her clutch. Premature removal can cause her to relocate to a more hidden spot and continue laying. Eggs that are cool to the touch without a female present are not ready for removal. If the number of eggs hasn’t increased over three days, it’s safe to remove them. Frequent visits to nesting sites help monitor changes in the number of eggs. Warm eggs or a nest with a female sitting on them indicate she has finished laying, and the eggs can be removed.

When approaching nesting females, do so slowly and gently. It’s recommended to wear gloves or use a soft bag over your hand. Gently reach behind the female from under her webbed feet and remove the eggs one or two at a time. After ensuring all eggs are removed, count them and place them in a bag. Remember, ducks should never be harmed.

Egg Disposal

Eggs should be frozen or kept as cold as possible to ensure that development has been stopped before disposing of them. Eggs can be discarded in the trash. Eggs should never be disposed of in waterways or down drains. Thoroughly wash your hands after you have finished handling the eggs.